Reeb a 10-year veteran of DA’s office

July 30, 2006

Freedom Newspapers

Clovis native Andrea Reeb has worked in the 9th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for 10 years. She is a chief deputy district attorney.

Background: Reeb is the daughter of Dr. Nicholas and Ann Rowley of Clovis. She graduated from Clovis High School in 1989. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Creighton University in Nebraska and her juris doctor in 1996 from Creighton Law School. She married David Reeb in 1995. He is also an attorney and is a partner in the Harmon & Reeb law firm. They have three children: Olivia, 6, Katie, 3, and David, 1.

What made you decide to go into law and why a prosecutor?
My grandfather, Richard “Dick” Rowley, was a lawyer in this area and, in fact, the district attorney of this district in the past. I became a prosecutor to help the community and I wanted to obtain firsthand courtroom and trial experience. Being a prosecutor allows for both.

You are the first female to hold the position of chief deputy DA in the 9th Judicial District, how did you come to your position?
When (Matthew) Chandler became the district attorney, he offered me the position based upon my experience and training. For a period of about four years, I supervised the district attorney’s office in Roosevelt County.

How do you balance your career and family?
I always put family first. It helps to be in a smaller community. My husband helps out tremendously, but it is truly a balancing act of the two roles.

What are some of the obstacles you have faced and how did you overcome them?
My middle child, Katie, was diagnosed with cancer when she was 17 months old. This was a difficult time, but our family was able to overcome this with the support of family, friends, understanding employers and my becoming active in causes such as Relay for Life and Cycle for Sight. I am happy to say that Katie has now been cancer free for more than two years.

What is the top issue a prosecutor in Curry County faces on the job?
Attempting to rehabilitate an offender while simultaneously protecting the public.

What are your ideas for resolving that issue?
A case-by-case analysis is required, but we simply need more programs on a statewide basis. Hopefully, implementing Drug Court will alleviate some of these problems.

What are the hardest and most rewarding parts of your job on a personal level?
The hardest part of my job is being able to separate the personal emotions involved in crimes where a child is the victim. The most rewarding part of my job is bringing justice to the victim or their loved ones.

What is your favorite TV law show or movie?
“A Time to Kill”
Favorite music?
Music from the ’80s
Favorite food?
Italian